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POLAND, OH- As the mid-season mark approaches, the Poland Seminary High School Bulldogs are preparing for what could be their most challenging game yet. The Bulldogs are set to face off against the undefeated Hubbard team in a high-stakes match that has the community buzzing with excitement.

In a recent episode of the Poland Bulldog Show, Coach Ryan Williams shared his extensive journey in coaching, having started in 1992 at Crestview High School before making significant stops at Cardinal Mooney and Austin Town Fitch. His experience, combined with his passion for mentoring young athletes, has cemented his status as a cornerstone of Poland Seminary’s coaching staff.

Despite a recent nail-biting loss to Canfield, where Poland fought back from a two-touchdown deficit only to fall short by a yard on a crucial fourth down, Coach Williams remains optimistic. “Our guys battled. I mean, we played hard. We didn’t play real smart sometimes, and that’s frustrating, but we were playing our hardest as time ran out. We were real proud of our guys that way,” Williams said.

Attention now shifts to Hubbard, a team Williams describes as balanced and confident. “They’ve done a nice job of matching personnel with what they’re asking them to do. They’ve got a couple of nice wideouts, a big physical back, and a quarterback who is a dual threat,” he noted. With Poland also boasting dual-threat quarterbacks, the upcoming game promises to be a fiercely competitive affair.

As anticipation builds, there’s no denying the excitement surrounding this mid-season clash. With homecoming festivities adding to the electric atmosphere, Coach Williams and his team are eager to showcase their perseverance and tactical prowess on the home field.

The Poland Bulldogs are ready to prove that they can bounce back stronger, embracing the challenge that comes with facing an undefeated team. As Williams aptly put it, “The most important game of the season is the next one.”

Kickoff is set for 7:00 pm at Poland Seminary High School’s home field. Fans are encouraged to show up in strong support as the Bulldogs look to make this a memorable contest.

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WARREN, OH- In the latest episode of YSN’s “Coach’s Corner,” we sat down with Sam Young, the remarkable head coach of the Warren JFK volleyball program. Now in his seventh year, Young’s journey from a novice to a celebrated coach is both inspiring and testament to perseverance and unwavering dedication.

Young reminisced about his unexpected foray into coaching, stating, “When I started here in 2018, I just wanted to help. I had no idea about volleyball at all.” His willingness to step up when the team had no stable leadership couldn’t be understated. Facing the challenge of potentially shutting down the program, Young accepted the head coach position despite his initial lack of experience.

Over the years, his commitment paid off. “Those first couple years were rough,” Young admitted, referencing the lack of equipment, players, and stability. Fast forward to today, the team has seen a significant turnaround. With 27 players coming out this summer, the program’s growth is evident, reflecting increased interest and stronger commitment among the athletes.

Sam’s coaching philosophy emphasizes persistence and the incremental improvement of both skills and team camaraderie. “For me, it’s always about taking it one day at a time,” Young shared, underlining the importance of continuous improvement and learning from past mistakes.

Highlighting influential players, Young gave special mention to senior captains Anaiah Johnson and Danielle Wickham. Their perseverance through tough times has been crucial. Additionally, players like Hannah Meyer and Riley Gillespie are setting new records and elevating team performance, demonstrating the high standards now synonymous with JFK volleyball.

Young also spoke candidly about balancing coaching with family life. With two young children, the dynamics of his responsibilities have evolved, adding layers of logistical challenges. However, his dedication to the sport and his family remains unwavering. “For me, it’s just the idea of, hey, it is what it is. So, there’s, you know, just go do it,” he noted.

The Warren JFK volleyball program has come a long way under Young’s stewardship. With promising young talent on the rise and an instilled culture of hard work and dedication, the future looks bright. Young’s journey from a novice coach to a revered mentor showcases the transformative power of commitment and passion in nurturing successful sports programs.

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